In a poll of Associated Press college football writers, Boston College was picked to finish in the Atlantic Division of the ACC, just behind No. 2 Clemson and favorite Florida State. Virginia Tech was picked to win the Coastal Division, followed by Miami, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Duke and Virginia.

According to Boston.com’s Mark Blaudschun, the Eagles have finished better than their preseason predictions in each of the last four seasons. So, maybe they’re perennially underrated?

FSU QB Christian Ponder was selected as the preseason player of the year. BC linebacker Mark Herzlich was selected eighth overall, and BC running back Montel Harris finished tenth in the ranking.

The division winners will meet in the ACC Title Game on Dec. 4 in Charlotte.